Your European adventure begins with two nights in Germany's capital, Berlin! A local expert will show you the major sites, such as the restored Reichstag building and the elegant Kurfurstendamm. See the Holocaust Memorial and be sure to get a photo at the famous Brandenburg Gate-one of Germany's best-known landmarks. Then, travel to Dresden, known for its baroque architecture and historical buildings badly damaged during WWII, but restored to their former glory.

Continue to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Guided sightseeing shows you its best-known treasures. See the Astronomical Clock, Hradcany Castle, and St. Vitus Cathedral. Stroll across Charles Bridge, shop for hand-cut crystal, and mix with the locals on Wenceslas Square. Regensburg is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities and architecture lovers will delight in the treasures it has to offer. Guided sightseeing will show you the Old Town Hall, the Porta Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD-and many mansions with high towers denoting the status and wealth of their early owners. Enjoy a tasting of local sausages before heading to Deggendorf where your river cruise journey begins. Passau, Germany, is called the "City of Three Rivers" as it lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Explore the city with a Local Guide and admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral. Linz, Austria, offers the Hauptplatz, Austria's largest medieval square which forms the center of the city. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of Wachau Valley. In Durnstein, visit the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and taste some of the local wines. Vienna, the "City of Music," makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a guided walk takes you through the delightful Old Town and to the gothic St. Martin's Cathedral.

In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, see the must-see sights with a local expert, stroll along the main shopping street of Vaci utca, or take pictures from Fishermen's Bastion, which provides the best panoramic views of Budapest.

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've used our 89 years to design a cruise experience that's just a bit different. Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.

Alternative light lunch or (weather permitting) grill fare at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck

Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the main dining room

Alternative dinner of petite portions or regional specialties with wines, in the Panorama Bistro

Daily Afternoon Tea

Daily Night Fare

Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vessel

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1Berlin, Germany

Welcome to Germany's reunited capital, Berlin! Time to rest or start exploring this unique city.

Day 2Berlin

Today, join a local expert for a GUIDED TOUR of the major sites of this metropolis, including the restored Reichstag building, Charlottenburg Palace, and the elegant Kurfurstendamm. See the Holocaust Memorial and the 210-foot Victory Column and make a picture stop at monumental Brandenburg Gate, one of the best-known landmarks of Germany where President John F. Kennedy once famously said, "I am a Berliner." Visit the KAISER WILHELM MEMORIAL CHURCH with its bomb-damaged tower, drive along Unter den Linden boulevard and pass the State Opera House and Checkpoint Charlie. This afternoon is free for your own exploration. (Breakfast)

Day 3Berlin-Dresden-Prague, Czech Republic

This morning, travel to Dresden, a city badly damaged by Allied bombing during WWII. During your GUIDED WALK, visit the COURTYARD of Zwinger Palace to admire its impressive architecture, see the magnificent baroque Semper Opera, built in 1841, destroyed once by fire and once by bombing and finally restored in 1985; and the newly rebuilt Frauenkirche. Enjoy free time during lunch before continuing to Prague, where you arrive in the late afternoon. (Breakfast)

Day 4Prague

Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20th-century wars. A LOCAL GUIDE will show you its best-known treasures, such as the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslas Square, an important meeting point and where people demonstrated against the communist regime; watch performers and shop at the market stalls on Charles Bridge; sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River; or wander around Prague's medieval Old Town, dating from the 10th century. (Breakfast)

Day 5Prague-Regensburg, Germany-Deggendorf (Embarkation)

After breakfast leave Prague and travel by motorcoach to Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of "historic interest." Architectural highlights of your GUIDED WALK include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built in the 13th century and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. During your free time, grab a beer and enjoy an included SNACK at Historische Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of the Germany's oldest restaurants. Continue to Deggendorf where you'll board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6Passau

Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses and dominated by St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture. Join your Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR that reveals much more about the "City of Three Rivers." This afternoon, cruise towards Linz. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7Linz, Austria

Linz is Austria's third-largest city and an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. This morning, join a local expert for a GUIDED TOUR. See the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria's largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. On your own, you might like to wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austria's largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. Alternatively, choose from several full-day excursions. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8Melk-Durnstein

This morning, our first stop is Melk. Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent 11thcentury BENEDICTINE ABBEY, dominating the town from its commanding hill site and one of Europe's largest monasteries. The abbey church houses stunning frescoed ceilings, marvellous statues, a large organ, and an ornate library with a large collection of medieval manuscripts. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! Then, grab a drink and relax on your ship's Sky Deck as you witness beautiful scenery on the way to Durnstein, situated in the heart of the Wachau wine region and best known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade. Your Local Guide will take you on an included WALKING TOUR and tell you the tale of England's King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in the castle whose ruins still stand above the town. Before dinner we'll introduce you to some of the local WACHAU WINES. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9Vienna

Wake up this morning in Vienna, known as the "City of Music" and the place that inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria's magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys' Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral-plus, countless other sights you'll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the pedestrian Karntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10Bratislava, Slovakia

At the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains is Bratislava, the dynamic capital of Slovakia. Join your Local Guide for a tour of the city, including a GUIDED WALK of its fascinating Old Town, where winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways twist and turn to reveal the Town Hall, one of the oldest stone buildings in the city. Also visit gothic ST. MARTIN'S CATHEDRAL, coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from the 16th to 19th centuries. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11Budapest, Hungary

Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's liveliest cities. Whether you're seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Cafe, Budapest's unique energy is positively palatable. On your INCLUDED TOUR, see Heroes' Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen's Bastion and 11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city's eight bridges-many famous sights in and of themselves-which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12Budapest (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Call (516) 625-0300 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13762125

The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.

Booking your Vacation with AirOur volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier's codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit of $300 per person is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & FeesAir-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.